ST MIRREN'S striker crisis is set to be eased by the return of Paul McQuade and Paul McGowan.

McQuade has still to play for the Buddies since his summer move from Cowdenbeath, tearing a calf on the eve of the SPL opener against Dundee United.

But the 23-year-old is now back training with the first team, while McGowan is back in boss Danny Lennon's plans after serving a one-match suspension.

Lennon, who had only one striker, Gareth Wardlaw, available on Saturday at St Johnstone, said: "Paul McQuade is back in training with the squad. I've been trying to organise a bounce game that he could play in but we've not been able to.

"I'm not sure if Saturday will come too early for him but we'll monitor him this week and there is a chance he could be back for this weekend.

"It'd be great to get him back as we've been limited in our attacking options recently. We've also got Paul McGowan back so it means we've got options up front."